A previously healthy 30-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of a recurring rash on her face, arms, and hands. She has also noticed several ulcers in her mouth. She is sexually active with one male partner and they use condoms inconsistently. Her mother has end-stage renal disease. The patient does not smoke or drink alcohol. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows an erythematous rash across the cheeks and extensor surface of the arms and hands as shown in the image below. . There are three small ulcers on the hard palate. Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be seen in this patient's condition?

Question

A previously healthy 30-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of a recurring rash on her face, arms, and hands. She has also noticed several ulcers in her mouth. She is sexually active with one male partner and they use condoms inconsistently. Her mother has end-stage renal disease. The patient does not smoke or drink alcohol. Her vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows an erythematous rash across the cheeks and extensor surface of the arms and hands as shown in the image below.  . There are three small ulcers on the hard palate.  Which of the following laboratory findings is most likely to be seen in this patient's condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by loss of immune self-tolerance with production of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens.  Binding of autoantibodies to self antigens leads to deposition of immune complexes in tissues and consumption of complement.

A Previously Healthy 30-Year-Old Woman Comes to the Physician Because